Message by Larry Thacker Jr. from August 11: The Belt of God
In this message, I take on a subject that seems to have a lot of confusion around it. In Hebrews 12:4-13, we are told that God disciplines those whom He loves. Translations vary, but the idea of punishment is clearly evident. So why would someone say that God does not punish? I think what they mean to communicate is that God does not punish His children for harm or vengeance. Every bad thing that happens in life should not be taken as some kind of retribution from God.
So then, if God does punish, what does that look like? Consider a good parent. Would they punish a child without first making sure that the child understands the offense? That would be cruel and destructive. It is even written into our laws. We have a right to know what we are charged with and to face our accusers. By the time we are sentenced, there is no question of the charges. Humans may fail in this, but you can be sure that God will not. If He disciplines us, we will know who, and we will know why. Let’s look to the Word for answers.
